Frances Williams Prater

Frances “Frankie” Williams Prater, 95, transitioned to her heavenly home on February 27, 2026. Born on July 27, 1930, in Edgefield, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Azalee and Barney Williams.

Although she lost her father at an early age, Frankie treasured her childhood, surrounded by the love of her four sisters, Nita, Betty, Bonnie, and Kitty, along with her devoted mother and maternal grandparents. Shortly after World War II, Frankie met Pee Wee Prater — though few knew him as Ed until much later — who would become her soulmate and lifelong dance partner. Married in June 1949, Frankie and Ed shared 69 wonderful years together. In their early years, Frankie managed a lively household, raising four children in just five years while the family moved from Batesburg to Florence to Charleston and finally to Columbia, where all of her children graduated from Columbia High School.

Frankie later worked in daycare in Irmo, South Carolina, a role she truly loved. She delighted her family with stories of the children’s antics and took genuine interest in each child’s growth, often following their lives through the years. In 1975, she began a 17-year career with the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department, where she formed cherished friendships and found great fulfillment in her work. She, Ed, and their daughter Becky became familiar faces at the annual South Carolina Wildlife Classic and remained involved for many years following her retirement in 1992.

Frankie was a devoted mother, a loving and supportive wife, and a faithful friend to all who knew her. She was a proud Clemson Tigers fan and loved traveling with Ed and her family, sharing many memorable adventures along the way. She deeply loved her sisters and their families and made sure the entire Prater clan was present at gatherings of the Williams sisters.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Jim Prater (Julia); daughter, Marsha Kirkland; grandchildren, Carrie Rachel Dean of New York, Rebecca Gordon and Eric Brewer of Lexington, South Carolina; along with numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ed Prater; a son, Arthur Kent Prater; a daughter, Becky Prater Brewer; and her four sisters.

The funeral service to celebrate Frankie's life will be held at 3 o'clock on Thursday, March 5th at Milton Shealy Funeral Home, Batesburg-Leesville Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 2 o'clock.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Harry Hampton Wildlife Foundation, P.O. Box 2041, Columbia, South Carolina 29202.

Her family finds comfort in knowing she is once again dancing with her beloved Ed.